The Throttle Position Sensor - And 6 port Actuators
 

Okay, I want to check my TPS for proper functionality -- there is a 6pin connector coming from the wires on the TPS... wich two do i need to check the resistance over? I know what readings they are supposed to give just dont know where to take them...

Next the 5th and 6th port actuators -- can you see them working in Neutral? And if they dont work what do you suggest as a solution.. right now I have a ball valve of the garden variety to build up pressure in the system (no cats)...

By the way I know I could search for these answers but I spent almost 2 hours in between classes today with NO ANSWERS searching throught the thousands of posts that contain TPS in them (or actuators)... SO your responses would be GREATLY appreciated....

My car is the 89 GXL -- thank you

No idea on the TPS, haven't gotten that far yet. Sorry.

The 6 port, put a dab of grease on the arm right near the vacuum actuator. If the grease gets smeared, you've got a partially or fully working actuator. It will not actuate at rest, the engine must be under load from all accounts I've read.

PaulC

No offense to silkworm, but please disregard that last post.
That technique will work with an 86-88, where the actuator rods RETRACT to open the 6p valves, on the 89+, the rods EXTEND to open the valves.
Try to move them by hand- they should move with a bit of effort, but smoothly.
I disconnected the air lines to the actuators, then went for a drive, but wasn't sure enough if they were working, so I actually duct taped a black marker to the actuator so the tip was against the shaft, then went for a quick drive. I only went up to about 3000 RPM the first time around the block, checked it, then went up by 1000 RPMS each time, then checked, for marker on the length of the shaft (had to extend it by hand to see) just so I could be sure that they are not only opening, but opening at the right RPM as well. It worked just fine.
A better idea would be to tie a string with a loose slip loop around the actuator to the rod, if the loop got pulled tight, it opened.

BTW- on 89+ the 6p open by pressure from the air pump, presence of cats don't matter, why the garden hose valve? What gives?

Picky Picky :D

Thanks for the save.

PaulC

Well the Air pump pumps air through the main cat and that builds up the pressure to open the ports... I had the hose that goes to the main cat just pumping out air (it was dangling by the exhaust manifold). So after searching this forum and found that it needed to build pressure I rigged it so that it will -- BUT I dont think that is working and I am getting increasingly aggravated at this problem... I still can move the arms by hand, maybe im trying to move them the wrong way? Anyway I may just take Nathanrx7(?)'s advice and remove the actuators and tie the ports open... Unless you guys have a better suggestion...

-Sam